"If you present an animal from the herd as a peace offering to the Lord, it may be a male or a female, but it must have no defects." (Leviticus 3:1 NLT)
The third chapter of the book of Leviticus begins with yet a third type of offering that could be presented before the Lord. This type was called a "Peace" offering. A peace offering was just what it appears to be... an offering which strives to bring peace or reconciliation. It could be offered as a thanksgiving offering, or at the completion of a vow, or as a freewill offering. It carried a couple of distinctions from a grain offering or burnt offering. A peace offering could involve meat from either a male or female member of a herd. It could also be shared by all involved... God, the priests who facilitated the sacrifice, and the person offering the animal.
Most of us are familiar with the concept of a peace offering. In one way or another, we have attempted make peace with an adversary through the giving of a reconciling gift. For example, when friends get into a squabble, it is not uncommon for the offending party to do something nice for the one whom they injured... maybe bake a cake, or send a greeting card. When nations need to be reconciled to peace reparations are offered or binding treaties are signed. The concept is simple... offer something that promotes forgiveness, goodwill, and of course, peace. A peace offering declares, "the battle is over, it's time to live in harmony with each other."
What I like about the Levitical concept of a peace offering is how it can be shared by all involved. God and sinner meet at the table when the animal is sacrificed. Holy God and sinful man declare peace and man is welcomed again in His presence. In terms of how we relate to and seek peace from God, things have changed. No longer does God require an animal sacrifice to bring about peace. He has offered the sacrifice of His Son. The remarkable thing to point out is to discover which party offers the sacrifice. You would think that the offending person would be the one required to make the first move toward peace. But with God, things are different. "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Do you find that amazing? I do. Though we have sinned, and though we should be the ones to make the first move toward reconciliation, God offers a peace offering. And because of His love, we are welcome to sit at the table again and to enjoy His presence. Maybe there is a message for us in God's example. Rather than wait for those who have offended us to come our way with fresh cookies, or a baked cake, maybe we should make the first move. What if we offered the olive branch? What if we took the initiative to act like our Father? Blessed are the peacemakers...
Prayer
Father, call us today into the peacemaking business. May we be quick to heal and forgive those who have trespassed against us.
No comments:
Post a Comment